Paying Taxes to Caesar

(Matthew 22:15–22; Luke 20:19–26)

13 Later, they sent some of the Pharisees and Herodians to catch [Jesus] in [His] words. 14 “Teacher,” they said, “we know that You are honest and seek favor from no one. Indeed, You are impartial [and] teach the way of God in accordance with [the] truth. Is it lawful[fn] to pay taxes to Caesar or not? Should we pay [them] or not?”

15 But [Jesus] saw through their hypocrisy [and] said, “Why are you testing Me? Bring Me a denarius[fn] to inspect.” 16 [So] they brought [it], and He asked them, “Whose image [is] this? And [whose] inscription?”

“Caesar’s,” they answered.

17 In response[fn] Jesus told them, “Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.”

And they marveled at Him.